Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is refusing to release parts of what has been described as a potentially explosive diplomatic document concerning the detention of terrorist suspect Mohamed Haneef for fear that it may damage Australia's tenuous relations with India.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is refusing to release parts of what has been described as a "potentially explosive" diplomatic document concerning the detention of terrorist suspect Mohamed Haneef for fear that it may damage Australia's tenuous relations with India.
The document is in the form of a cable sent from Australia's high commission in New Delhi on July 17, 2007 the day after Australia's then immigration minister Kevin Andrews revoked Dr Haneef's working visa and ordered his continued detention.
The day the cable was sent the Indian government reportedly summoned the Australian high commissioner and insisted that Dr Haneef be treated fairly.
Dr Haneef was working at a Gold Coast hospital when he was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the bombings of Glasgow airport.
His lawyers launched a Freedom of Information campaign last year, seeking documents regarding his detention and visa cancellation.
It is learnt that the information elicited may be used by the doctor to seek compensation from the Australian Federal government.
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Quilty? Mohamed Haneef, an Indian doctor was jailed in Australia for his alleged involvement in bombings at Glasgow airport in 2007. |
Although many documents have been released following the departure of Dr Haneef to India, several extracts of the diplomatic cable have been withheld by the Department of Prime Minister on grounds that their release in entirety would damage Australia's international relations.
The cable is also believed to contain some commentary from the Australian high commission in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, relations between the two countries remain strained, with reports of sporadic attacks on Indian students, taxi drivers and others, still coming in.
Anxious to repair the damage, the Australian prime and senior members of his government have been visiting India over the past few months.
(Source: The Australian)
